Urethroscopy – diagnostic examination of the urethra

Urethroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows for a thorough examination of the inside of the urethra. This test is performed to diagnose various urinary tract diseases, such as infections, cancer, strictures or foreign bodies. In the following article we will discuss what urethroscopy is, how the examination is performed, what are the indications for its performance and what complications may occur.

Urethroscopy – what is the test?

A urethroscopy examination involves inserting a thin, flexible speculum called a urethroscope into the urethra. The urethroscope is equipped with an optical camera and a light source that allow the doctor to view and analyze the inside of the urethra. The image from the camera is transmitted to the monitor, which allows for accurate visualization of the examined area.

Urethroscopy – how is urethral examination performed?

Before starting the examination, the patient is usually subjected to local anesthesia, which minimizes pain and discomfort associated with the procedure. The doctor then inserts the urethroscope through the urethral opening and moves it carefully upwards. As the speculum is moved, the doctor carefully examines the walls of the urethra, looking for any abnormalities.

If any disturbing change is noticed during the examination, the doctor may decide to take samples for further laboratory tests or a biopsy. The entire procedure is controlled in real time, which allows for accurate diagnosis and assessment of the condition of the urethra.

Urethroscopy – what are the indications for urethroscopy?

Urethroscopy is usually performed in cases where various urinary tract diseases are suspected. The main indications for this test include:

• Symptoms of a urinary tract infection that do not improve with treatment
• Suspected presence of kidney or tubular stones
• Blood in the urine for no apparent reason
• Suspected urethral stricture or other type of obstruction to urine flow
• Monitoring for cancer or polyps in the urethra

Urethroscopy is often used in the diagnosis and monitoring of urinary tract diseases, enabling doctors to accurately assess the patient’s condition and make appropriate therapeutic decisions.

Urethroscopy – complications

Although urethroscopy is a relatively safe diagnostic procedure, it may be associated with certain risks and complications. The most common of them are:

• Pain and discomfort after the examination, which usually disappears within a few hours
• The risk of infection after the insertion of a speculum is minimized by the use of antibiotics before the procedure
• Possibility of damage to the urethra or other tissues during the examination, although this is rare

Before proceeding with the urethroscopy examination, the doctor discusses with the patient all possible risks and benefits of the procedure and may take appropriate preventive measures to minimize the risk of complications.

Your suggestions

If you have any doubts about urethroscopy or would like to learn more about it, it is always worth consulting your doctor. A professional specialist will be able to answer all your questions and tailor the examination and treatment to your individual needs.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in topics related to the urinary system and diagnostics, we recommend reading other articles on our website, which will provide you with more information on this topic. It is worth taking care of the health of the urinary system and checking its condition regularly to avoid serious diseases.

Urethroscopy is an effective and precise diagnostic method that can help in the quick and accurate diagnosis of urinary tract diseases. Thanks to it, doctors can effectively plan treatment and monitor the condition of patients, which improves their quality of life.